Greek IV Seniors Participate in Capstone “Greek Defense”

The Defense focuses on Homeric epic and Greek Tragedy, serving as the capstone to the students' four years of study of Ancient Greek.

"The Defense is a graded assessment of what students have learned over the past four years—especially the past two years—about Homer and Greek tragedy," said Dr. William Lowe, who teaches the fourth-year course. "And it's conducted in circumstances almost as intimidating as the Trojan War itself, in front of faculty, family, and the administration of Loyola Academy. The students really need to know their stuff."

But the Defense is more than just a test. It is based on the five pillars of the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm—context, experience, reflections, action, and evaluation—precisely the approach modern research shows leads to enduring and often transformational learning.

Loyola is one of a handful of high schools nationwide to offer a four-year Ancient Greek program, and "[This] program, along with the Classics Tour were among the main reasons our daughter chose to attend Loyola Academy," said Rambler Parent Susan Poulos '26. "It was an honor to be at the Defense and witness what these students have learned over the last four years."